Nov 03 2009
Republicans Win New Jersey, Virginia Races
Change was the prevailing theme of Election Day this year. The governorships of New Jersey and Virginia switched parties to Republican. The hotly-contested 23rd New York Congressional District elected a Democrat for the first time since the 19th century.
In New Jersey, Christopher Christie defeated incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine, 49 to 45 percent, with 99 percent of precincts reporting. In Virginia, Bob McDonnell cruised past Creigh Deeds, 59 to 41 percent, with 99 percent reporting.
Mayors generally bucked the anti-incumbent mood. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was elected to a third term after getting the city’s term-limit law changed. Bloomberg edged William Thompson, 51 to 46 percent. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino earned an unprecedented fifth term by defeating Michael Flaherty, 57 to 42 percent. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing was elected to a full term after replacing convicted felon Kwame Kilpatrick.
John Garamendi leads David Farmer in the 10th California House race, 55 to 40 percent, with 59 percent reporting. Bill Owens edged Doug Hoffman, 49 to 46 percent, in the 23rd New York House election.
All 11 of Texas’s propositions were approved as were all three of Ohio’s measures and both of New York’s constitutional amendments. New Jersey’s “Open State Bonds” question leads, 52 to 48 percent, with 90 percent reporting.
Washington’s Referendum 71, which allows domestic partnerships in the state, passed 51 to 49 percent. Senate Bill 5688 had been sent to a veto referendum thanks to more than 120,000 signatures opposing the law. Had a majority voted no, the bill would not have taken effect. Initiative 1033, which would have capped government spending increases to the rate of inflation and population growth, failed 55 to 45 percent.
